Lippi lauded as China stun South Korea

– Chinese fans and staterun media heaped praise on coach Marcello Lippi (left) yesterday after a stunning win over South Korea kept their World Cup qualifying campaign alive.

“Thanks Lippi,” gushed state broadcaster CCTV, after China climbed off the bottom of Group A following Thursday’s 1-0 victory in Changsha.

Lippi, who led Italy to the 2006 World Cup title, and his coaching team took over in October for a reported fee of €20 million a year.

It could be money well spent after China registered their first win in the group – and only their second over South Korea in 32 meetings.

Yu Dabao’s header on 34 minutes ended 407 goalless minutes in qualifying for China, stretching back to their 3-2 away defeat to the Koreans in September.

With four games to go, China now have a fighting chance of snatching third place and a spot in the play-offs as they seek only their second appearance at a World Cup.

Lippi coached Guangzhou Evergrande to the AFC Champions League title in 2013, making them the tournament’s first Chinese winners.

Next up is a tough away trip to table-topping Iran. – AFP